The Argus at KellyGang 30/4/1881
THE POOR SELECTORS LANDS
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS
Sir,-It will be generally admitted that the small selection system is a failure. Witness the "poor selectors." It must be, because the system is inappropriate for Australia , which is best suited for pasturage of sheep and cattle. Now, therefore, let the Government adopt a better scheme, and better calculated for the benefit of the poor selectors, their heirs and successors, struggling to make the best of the small selection system.
The proposal is to let lands for 10 years, at a fair rent, in blocks sufficient, according to the judgment of experienced persons, for pasturage of 1,000 sheep or (more) with a right of purchase within that time, at a price to be also fixed by competent experienced men.
This would be a valuable improvement on the small selection system, and considerably augment the public revenue, while benefiting the still struggling selectors, who by patience and perseverance and otherwise are yet in a position to avail themselves of such legislation, to be wisely adapted to the nature and circumstances of Australia - which nature and circumstances actually cause many small selections to be unproductive, and a loss to the owners.
The object of the Government has been stated to be to encourage permanent settlement and residence on the land, after an ideal of a British yeomanry. It has, however, been proved that the small selection system will not do this, and probably it is impossible it should do so at present, nor for the next 50 or 100 years; but by letting sufficient land for grazing 1,000 sheep for 10 years, at a fair rent, with right, of purchase within that time at a fixed fair price, such letting would in all probability effect that object, and relieve an overcrowded state of cities or towns. No possessor of more than 10,000 acres of land to be allowed any of the 1,000 sheep pasturane blocks.-Yours, &c.,
April 26, SELECTOR
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31-aug-10
